Megapixel and HDTV technology enables network cameras to provide higher resolution of video images than analog CCTV, i.e. the ability to see details and to identify people and objects – a key consideration in video surveillance applications. With a megapixel or HDTV network camera, the resolution is at least three times better than an analog CCTV camera.

The higher the resolution, the more details are in an image. Using traditional (analog) technology, a live image has no more than 0.4 megapixels and a recorded image only has 0.1 megapixels (CIF). A camera with 3.1 megapixels records around 30 times more detail. As a result, larger image areas with up to 360° panorama are possible, thus reducing the number of cameras and therefore the costs. For example, four lanes of a petrol station can be recorded using one such camera instead of four conventional cameras.

Combining megapixel/HDTV network cameras with a selection of non-megapixel network cameras that are optimized for other needs (such as powerful optical zoom, extreme light sensitivity or low cost) creates video surveillance installations that are effective, reliable and cost-efficient.

There are many specific applications for such cameras. These are the really demanding situations where you need to be able to identify persons or objects in a scene. This could be point-of-sales monitoring where it is necessary to clearly see every item a customer is purchasing, or situations where you need to be able to identify a face, or a car number plate. High detail images can be achieved by installing a network camera with a telescopic lens or a lens with zoom capability to allow a closer view of the area of interest, or by placing the camera close to the area to be monitored.

Riedel Surveillance has expertise in designing and implementing high resolution video solutions and in many cases favours decentralised systems, as offered by the MOBOTX concept (more details below).

Decentralised v centrally-managed systems

In typical surveillance situations the cameras supply the images whilst processing and recording is undertaken by a computer using video management software.

The experience and knowledge of Riedel Surveillance is important when deciding what kind of solution best fits your needs.

High resolution video systems require high network data throughput (called Bandwidth) and powerful, expensive processors. This means a very high cost and maintenance overhead, which is often not justifiable.

In response to customer requirements, Riedel Surveillance has investigated and sourced an excellent option provided by leading developer MOBOTIX.

The MOBOTIX concept involves a fast computer and, if necessary, a digital memory (SD card) for long-term recording in every camera. The computer is now used only for viewing, not for analysis or recording. As a result, MOBOTIX cameras can record events even without a running PC and digitally record videos with sound for archiving purposes.

Benefits for you

MOBOTIX video solutions mean:

fewer cameras due to the more accurate detail of wide-angle images with megapixel technology,

fewer PCs/DVRs, because around 40 cameras can store high-resolution video with sound efficiently on a single PC, or no PC at all when recording on the camera's digital storage (USB, SD card),

lower network bandwidth, because everything is processed in the camera itself and the high-resolution images therefore do not have to be constantly transferred for analysis.

low cost of ownership due to:

Low-maintenance cameras, that operate between -30° to +60°C without climate control, do not require any lens or positioning motors and consume just 3 watts of power, hence maintenance is reduced to a minimum.

Lifetime software. There are no software or licensing costs with MOBOTIX, because the software is always supplied within the camera - for an unlimited number of cameras and users. The software package supplied with the camera also includes professional control centre software used for example at soccer stadiums. Updates are supplied free of charge on the website.

Once the specific objectives for each network camera in the surveillance application are confirmed, the right type of camera can be selected for the best fit. The variation of requirements within video surveillance is large. The key question however is the following:

Do you need a general overview (such as the presence of things) or high detail (able to identify specifics)?

Riedel Surveillance works with you to resolve the very best and most efficient solution for your situation. As example, we have put together a solar powered Mobotix video system that captures high resolution images using pure green power, see it below: